How To Save On Home Updates

Is walking into your kitchen like walking into a time capsule from 1986? Or maybe your bathroom looks like it was straight out of a home magazine from 1972.  If so, it might be time for some home improvements.  The problem? Renovations can not only be a huge undertaking, but they're costly, too.  The average kitchen remodel will cost you $60,000, and the average bathroom update comes in at nearly $18,000.  That's steep.  Thankfully, that's just the average cost.  There are plenty of ways to cut costs without sacrificing style or functionality.  Keep reading to find out how to save on home updates, and click this link to read the full article.

1. Don’t do a complete remodel

Unless the room needs to be completely gutted, you can cut costs by refurbishing existing fixtures. When renovating the kitchen, staining the current cabinetry, replacing old drawer handles and knobs, and refacing moldings can save you thousands of dollars.In fact, refinishing existing cabinets can save you up to 50% compared with the cost of buying new cabinetry, according to Angie’s List. You can also cut costs by purchasing materials (e.g., granite, flooring, or lighting) yourself, says Chris Dossman, a real estate agent with Century 21 Scheetz in Indianapolis.

2. Pick decent, midgrade materials

Picking premium options or materials can raise the cost of your remodeling project substantially. One area where you’ll find a major price difference? Carpeting.While basic olefin and polyester carpeting costs around $1 to $2 per square foot, wool can cost upward of $9 to $11 per square foot, according to Angie’s List. Those costs add up if you’re recarpeting a large room or an entire floor.Another biggie? Countertops: Granite costs $60 to $100 per square foot; laminate (i.e., Formica) looks like granite for $10 to $40 per square foot.